Skipper

Abu Dhabi Ports; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 441,000 - 661,000; Full time

Job summary

Abu Dhabi Ports is seeking an experienced Skipper to safely navigate and operate pilot boats, speed boats, and other marine craft for company operations in Abu Dhabi. You will ensure vessel readiness, crew safety, and compliance with SMS, regulations, and COLREGs while delivering reliable marine support services.

Responsibilities include passenger transfer, voyage planning, incident reporting, and supervision of the vessel crew.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• STCW BST certification current.
• Basic English communication; Arabic is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safe navigation and operation of the assigned marine craft (pilot boat, speed boat, etc.).
• Safely transport pilots, personnel, and authorized personnel to/from vessels, offshore locations, and facilities.
• Ensure embarkation/disembarkation of passengers follows procedures and safety practices.
• Conduct pre-departure checks and verify vessel readiness and crew sufficiency.
• Maintain logs, voyage records, fuel and related documentation; communicate with VTS and Marine Operations.

Skills

Basic English communication

Vessel operation

Education

High School Diploma

STCW BST certificate

Job description

The Skipper is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the assigned Company vessel, ensuring the safety of personnel, protection of the marine environment, and security of the vessel during all marine operations. The Skipper is responsible for the safe navigation and operation of pilot boats, speed boats or other assigned marine craft, providing reliable marine support services including personnel transfer, pilot transfer, standby duties, emergency response, and other operational activities. The role ensures compliance with Company policies, the Safety Management System (SMS), Port Regulations, and all applicable national and international maritime requirements while maintaining operational readiness, high standards of customer service, and safe working practices.

Responsibilities

Operational Responsibilities

• Have overall responsibility for the safe navigation and operation of the assigned pilot boat, speed boat, work boat, or other Company marine craft.
• Safely transport pilots, Company personnel, contractors, visitors, and other authorized personnel to and from vessels, offshore locations, and designated marine facilities.
• Ensure the safe embarkation and disembarkation of passengers in accordance with Company procedures and safe marine practices.
• Conduct pre-departure checks to ensure the vessel is operationally ready, adequately manned, and equipped for the assigned task.
• Maintain safe navigation using appropriate navigational equipment, charts, GPS, radar, echo sounder, AIS, and other available bridge systems.
• Comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), Port Regulations, Company procedures, and all applicable maritime legislation.
• Maintain effective communication with VTS, Marine Operations, and other relevant parties during vessel operations.
• Ensure accurate completion of vessel logbooks, operational records, fuel records, and voyage documentation.

Safety, Security and Environmental Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety, security, and welfare of all personnel onboard.
• Implement and comply with the Company's Safety Management System (SMS), Permit to Work (PTW), risk assessments, and HSE procedures.
• Conduct safety briefings, toolbox talks, emergency drills, and onboard training as required.
• Ensure all Life Saving Appliances (LSA), Fire Fighting Equipment (FFE), navigation equipment, and emergency equipment are maintained in a ready-for-use condition.
• Report all incidents, accidents, near misses, unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, and equipment defects in accordance with Company procedures.
• Support emergency response activities, including search and rescue, man overboard recovery, firefighting, medical emergencies, and pollution response operations.

Vessel Maintenance

• Maintain the vessel in a clean, seaworthy, and operationally ready condition at all times.
• Carry out routine inspections and basic maintenance of the vessel, including cleaning, washing, painting, fender maintenance, and housekeeping.
• Monitor the condition of engines, machinery, electrical systems, and navigation equipment, reporting defects promptly and coordinating repairs with the Chief Engineer or Technical Department.
• Ensure sufficient fuel, lubricants, stores, and consumables are maintained for safe operations.

Oil Spill Response

• Participate in oil spill preparedness and response operations as directed.
• Assist in the deployment, operation, recovery, cleaning, inspection, and storage of oil spill response equipment, including containment booms, skimmers, absorbents, anchors, and associated equipment.
• Ensure oil spill response equipment remains serviceable and ready for emergency deployment.

Leadership and Teamwork

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of the vessel crew to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Ensure crew members comply with Company procedures, safety requirements, and operational standards.
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, and a positive safety culture onboard.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform any other duties assigned by the Marine Superintendent, Operations Supervisor, or Company Management in accordance with operational requirements.
• Be available to respond to emergency operations, including outside normal working hours, weekends, and public holidays when required.

Qualifications

Educational and Technical Qualifications:

• Secondary School Certificate (High School) or equivalent.
• Valid STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) certificates in accordance with the latest STCW Convention

Language Skills:

• Basic communication in English (Arabic is an advantage)

Years of Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of relevant seagoing experience as a Skipper or in a similar marine operational role.

Nature of Experience:

• Safe navigation and operation of pilot boats, speed boats, work boats, or other similar marine craft.
• Personnel transfer operations, including pilot embarkation and disembarkation.
• Bridge watchkeeping, voyage planning, and coastal navigation.
• Vessel handling in varying weather, sea, and port operating conditions.
• Routine vessel inspections, basic maintenance, defect reporting, and operational readiness.
• Emergency response procedures, including man overboard, firefighting, abandon ship, search and rescue, and first aid.